The California Metalfest has announced the initial lineup for the event which will be held in Anaheim, California on March 28th at The Grove. The event will be headlined by British death metal legends Carcass and will also feature Suffocation, Samael, The Faceless, Whitechapel, Arsis, Decrepit Birth, Veil Of Maya and Psycroptic.

"In recognition of a music genre that has spawned some of the most original and talented bands hailing from every corner of the globe, Earache Records is proud to announce the release of Worldwide Metal.

"Celebrating the diversity of metal in all of its forms, Worldwide Metal is the ultimate collection of the fastest, heaviest and most brutal metal tracks to rock this planet. Offering 5 CDs of pure metal mayhem plus a fully playable PC game - all for the price of one CD - this collection consists of over 80 tracks from some of the most legendary and inspirational bands of all time. More...

Reformed melo-death/gore-grind legends CARCASS recently completed their first North American tour since first reanimating early this year. Guitarist Michael Amott (ARCH ENEMY) commented on what their recent touring experience was like:

"What a tour! So many sold-out shows and fantastic, bordering on fanatical response from the fans everywhere we went! I’d like to thank the fans in the US/CANADA/MEXICO for waiting patiently and remaining fans all these years – and for coming out in such big numbers on the tour.

"For me personally it’s been quite emotional playing THOSE songs with THOSE guys again – really cool and almost too much fun. Playing the festivals in Europe over the summer was amazing, but I have to admit that I prefer being on tour playing every night in clubs – that’s when you get tight as a band and become a solid unit.

"Highlights? Without lying I’d have say that every night was special, it was just that kind of tour for me – but the NYC show at the sold-out Nokia Theatre was exceptionally killer, and Ken Owen (ex-CARCASS drummer) flew out for that one so the vibe was just incredible! That was the kind of night when you wish that the cameras were rolling."

Regarding the other bands on the tour and the people behind the scenes who made it all happen the guitarist continued: More...

Rumor has it that Brujeria has been working on a new record to be released next year. The band's most recent studio album, 2000's "Brujerizmo," was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2000 Latin Grammy Awards, but ended up being its last recorded with the two original members, Asesino and Hongo Jr., who both left in 2004.

Dean Guitars has announced that guitarist Michael Amott of ARCH ENEMY and CARCASS fame has signed on with Dean guitars. Dean CEO Elliott Rubinson states “I have been a fan of Michael for some time and we are extremely excited that he has decided to make Dean guitars his home. Michael Amott is a very well respected guitarist worldwide and we look forward to working very closely with him to design his dream guitar."

“I contacted Dean guitars," said Amott "as I was looking for the right guitar company and I knew that if people like Michael Schenker, Dave Mustaine, Dimebag and Leslie West have made Dean their home that I needed to check it out. They sent me two V’s to check out and I immediately fell in love with them. I am sure my new signature guitar will meet all of my demands as well as the needs of my fans around the globe."

Guitarist Nige Rockett of British thrash metallers Onslaught has posted the following message regarding the bands appearance at the festival:

"This is gonna be a fucking killer show and definitely the best UK festival for 2008. The line-up is truly awesome, boasting the Premier, most Extreme Metal bands from all genres this country (UK) has had to offer over the past 25 years...Hats off to the promoters for getting this one together. This could well be our last UK appearance before we wind up the Killing Peace' promotion, so hope to see you all there.......... for what I guarantee will be one insane fucking day."

Carcass have been confirmed as this years headliners for the Florida deathfest, set to take place on September 13th in St. Petersburg, Florida. Also on the bill will be acts such as Suffocation, Necrophagist, Daath, 1349, Aborted, Rotten Sound and more.

As previously mentioned, Norway’s 1349 will return to the US to participate on the highly anticipated Carcass tour this fall. Beginning September 5, the tour, also featuring Necrophagist, Suffocation, Aborted and Rotten Sound, marks the band's third visit to America in support of their third and most successful album, "Hellfire." Seven performances as of press time are confirmed with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Earlier this year the band performed at the annual South-By-Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas as part of the Norwegian arts showcase. 1349 returns to the US as writing continues on their fourth, and still untitled, album.

In a disappointing turn for fans, Rotten Sound have apparantly been forced to cancel their time on the North American tour with Carcass due to lack of tour support. A full press release from the band is expected soon.

New York death metal legends Suffocation have confirmed that they will be taking part in the North American reunion tour of Carcass this year. Also on the bill will be Necrophagist, 1349, Aborted and Rotten Sound.

Reunited UK grindcore/death metal legends CARCASS, along with special guests SUFFOCATION and ABORTED, will perform at Medley in Montreal, QC on Sunday, September 7th.

As previously reported, Carcass' only other announced North American dates are in New York City, NY at the Nokia Theatre on Saturday, September 6th and in Toronto, ON at The Opera House on Monday, September 8th.

Reformed extreme metal pioneers Carcass have announced that they will be performing at the Nokia Theatre in New York City on September 6th. Death metal legends Suffocation were originally billed as the support slot but have pulled out and in turn have been replaced by Necrophagist and Aborted. Expect more shows in North America to be announced soon.

Carcass, who reformed this year to perform at several metal festivals throughout Europe, have announced plans to tour down under for the first time in 15 years, thanks to Soundworks Touring. Carcass' current line-up includes Bill Steer (FIREBIRD) doing vocals and guitar, Jeff Walker (BRUJERIA) on vocals and bass, Michael Amott (ARCH ENEMY) playing guitar and Daniel Erlandsson (ARCH ENEMY) behind the drums. The confirmed Australian tour dates are as follows, with tickets going on sale as of Thursday, 26th of June: